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Our Focus is on the Facts

We believe sound fiscal and economic research is essential to uphold Iowa's economic vitality, future, and individual opportunity. 


Our Mission

It's Just Common Sense.

Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Iowa's economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise in Iowa and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most to Iowan's.

 

Research
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Healthcare
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Iowa’s Healthcare Landscape

The United States boasts the largest healthcare economy in the world. In 2022, health spending reached $4.5 trillion nationally, or over 17% of GDP.

August 22, 2024 Toby LeeDr. Chelsea LensingBen MurreyAndrzej Wieciorkowski
Jobs & Our Economy
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Economic Impact of the Iowa State Fair 2024

Held from August 8-18, 2024, the Iowa State Fair welcomed 1,182,682 attendees this year, the most in its 170-year history.

August 20, 2024 Ben MurreyAndrzej Wieciorkowski
Housing & Our Community
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Iowa in the Context of America's Fentanyl Epidemic

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths cost Iowa $3.5 billion in 2023, up from approximately $1.3 billion in 2018.

June 26, 2024 Ben Murrey
Jobs & Our Economy
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Iowa Jobs and Labor Force Update - May 2024

Iowa’s jobs situation continues to deteriorate in May, based on today’s BLS jobs data release. Having never recovered to population-adjusted pre-pandemic levels, employment in Iowa fell in May for the secon

June 25, 2024 Toby LeeBen Murrey
Iowa unemployment the same, but report says labor market may be weakening
The Center Square
July 22, 2024
SHERMAN: New Energy Bills Will Crush Iowans’ Wallets
The Iowa Standard
June 14, 2024
Caitlin Clark opens up on the ‘hardest part’ about being Caitlin Clark
New York Post
May 12, 2024
The Caitlin Clark Effect
Tortoise Media
May 12, 2024 Ben Murrey
Jobs & Our Economy
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Caitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben Murrey

Our recent study, Clarkonomics, is not the first to explore the economics of Clark’s superstardom, but it takes a unique approach.

April 03, 2024 Ben Murrey
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Announcing the Launch of CSI Iowa featuring Joe Murphy and Ben Murrey

To discuss the launch of CSI Iowa, Host Earl Wright is joined by Joe Murphy, President of the Iowa Business Council and the inaugural CSI Iowa Board Chair, and Ben Murrey, CSI Iowa Director of Policy & Rese

February 22, 2024 Ben Murrey

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